Theodore Keranen

Theodore "Ted" - Of Grand Blanc, formerly of White Lake, age 86, died Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at his residence.

Theodore 'Ted' William Keranen was born November 29, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan to Vianna Saari and Theodore S. Keranen. Ted grew up in Redford Township graduating from Redford Union. Ted spent the summers in the UP during his childhood working on his grandparents' farm where he learned the value of hard work and creativity. Those same values carried over into his work life and led to his many achievements in the workplace.
Ted graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in mechanical engineering. After graduation Ted had an expansive and varied engineering career. Starting with Chrysler Missile Ted was involved with the first space rocket program "Redstone". Ted then transitioned to stints at Massey-Ferguson and Detroit-Diesel before landing at Bendix Research Labs as a program manager. At Bendix Ted designed an antennae/gyroscope aiming mechanism used with the Apollo scientific experiments on the moon. As senior project engineer Ted developed an automotive steering control system; a computer controlled vehicle brake inspection system for the U.S. Department of Transportation; control system and valves for thrust control of solid propellant rocket systems for NASA, and a pneumatic failsafe brake system for use in underground mines to name a few. Ted then went to work at Ford Motor Company working on programs for air suspension, pressure sensors and transmission controls. Ted redesigned the oil pump system for the Ford GT40 race car that was instrumental in Ford winning at LeMans.
During Ted's career he had two issued patents and thirteen published technical reports.
During Ted's free time he enjoyed his family, living on a lake and boating. Ted always had a thirst for adventure, riding motorcycles wherever he could on the streets, in the dirt or on the frozen lake behind his house. He also had a penchant for Mustang convertibles as his company car of choice while at Ford.
Ted's heart and soul always remained in the UP. Hence, it is fitting that Ted will be buried next to his parents in the Aura Cemetery family plot outside the Village of L'Anse, Michigan.
Surviving are wife, Sharon Keranen; children, Ted Keranen (Linneya), Kathie Dell (Steve), Karol Keranen (Rich), Tom Keranen (Michelle), Todd Keranen, Tamara Keranen (Will), Laura Keranen (Joe); step-son, Michael Schuplin; 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Viana Keranen, his second wife, Christine Keranen, daughter, Erica, Grandson, Todd Jr. and first wife, Joyce.
Funeral service will be held 11am Saturday, December 23, 2023 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint, Chaplain Wally Rose officiating. Visitation 2-7pm Friday and 10am Saturday until the time of the service at the Swartz Funeral Home.

Burial in Aura Cemetery in Aura, Michigan on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Jacobson Funeral Home assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation.